Valcena (Swaby) Thompson, was born to Enos and Icilda Swaby, in the sleepy village of Robins Bay St. Mary Jamaica. She emerged from her humble beginnings, overcoming many obstacles, to become a successful mother, actress, educator and business owner. She went to the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts(formerly School of Drama) where she earned her certification in Drama. Whilst attending Drama school she also acted in many plays, on stage and on the radio. Two of the most memorable were Labor Ward and Mortimer Simmonds; where she was the voice of Teacher Smithfied.

At Drama school she met the likes of Roy Rayon, the duo Blacka and Bello, Oliver Samuels, Volier Johnson amongst numerous others

To offset the cost of school expenses and to support her family Valcenca made pastries such as puddings, and coconut drops, a skill she inherited from her mother and later honed.

Valcena did not skip a beat at being the best mother to her three girls during this time traveling from St Mary to Kingston. Juggling family, work and school she graduated as class Valedictorian. Throughout her life the most important things to Valcena were her three daughters, Judy, Carollyn and Simone. Everything she did was done with them as her motivation. Valcena, also lovingly known as Claire by her siblings, was a dedicated daughter, who was there for her parents until the time of their passing. She had three daughters but was a mother to many including Deneise who worked with her for over 30 years and to her younger brother Walton.

Valcena reinvented herself many times throughout her life. She worked as a Clerk for Standard Furnishings, from which she left to attend Drama School. After leaving Drama school Valcena secured a position at Couples Hotel, as an Activities Coordinator. There she developed a program which emerged into the Arts and Craft Department. Valcena later became the head of this department. She was later promoted to the position of Laundry manager, while running several businesses on the side including a bar, a gift shop and a taxi service. When the hotel was restructured, Valcena decided to take a different path in life. She moved on to fulfill her passion of being an educator.

Valcena taught for many years at Mar-Jam Preparatory School in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. She brought her artistic abilities into the classroom, teaching the younger children, arts and crafts, and drama. Before the start of her tenure at Mar-Jam, there was not an art department, therefore Valcena was instrumental in its creation and success. During her tenure she entered students for JCDC and gained silver and gold medals and had a national finalist. They were invited to perform at various local events in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

In the year 2000, Valcena once again decided it was time for her to go on a new venture. This new venture took her to the United States, where she immediately found employment working with, you guessed it, educating and nurturing young lives.

Valcena was never content with just doing one job, and as such she turned her attention to that of real estate. She completed a realtor license while working as an educator. After the sale of her first house, Valcena was super excited. Unfortunately she realized this was not for her. She decided she wanted to impact lives on a more personal level, she became a nanny. During her first assignment at a Nanny, Valcena had the luxury to travel to England, where she stayed for an extended period.

Ms T was once a member of the Ocho Rios Chorale with the late Dr Roosevelt Crooks, who was instrumental in inviting her to the group. She used yet another of her many talents to sew their very colorful costumes.

She returned home every year in December and would do a children's treat in her hometown. She always had gifts for the neighborhood kids, whether it be candy, books, or a being a mentor.

Valcena was a powerhouse before we even knew what the word meant.

Valcena, Val, Claire, Clairy, Mom, Mommy, MomMom Swaby Thompson was an impactful and exceptional human being. The life she lived impacted many. Memories of her will leave a lasting legacy on those who knew her, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come. Though we may feel the weight of our loss, let us also celebrate the life she lived and the countless ways in which she made the world a better place. 

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